Chigozie Agbim, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, has exclusively told Completesports.com that Nigeria’s senior national team are in good stead to challenge for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, urging Nigerians to rally firmly behind the team as they chase continental glory in Morocco.
The three-time African champions will be aiming to clinch a historic fourth AFCON crown when the 35th edition of the tournament takes place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Nigeria previously lifted the trophy on home soil in Lagos in 1980, again in Tunisia in 1994, and most recently in South Africa in 2013.
Super Eagles Ready to Challenge for Fourth AFCON Crown
As the countdown to the Morocco 2025 finals gathers momentum, Agbim — a member of the late Stephen Keshi-led squad that won the AFCON title in South Africa in 2013 — expressed strong belief in the current Super Eagles squad under head coach Éric Sékou Chelle.
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Completesports.com caught up with the 41-year-old former Al-Merrikh SC (Sudan) goalkeeper at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) Stadium, where he had gone for a morning training session on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
Speaking on the team’s prospects, Agbim said the Super Eagles possess the quality and experience required to succeed on the biggest African stage.
“Before we won the AFCON in 2013 in South Africa, it had been 19 years since our previous title in Tunisia in 1994,” Agbim recalled.
“Now, it is 12 years after that success. I see the potential in this team, and I believe they have the quality to win again. What they need now is the support and encouragement of every Nigerian.”
Super Eagles Friendly Loss to Egypt No Cause for Alarm
Agbim dismissed concerns arising from Nigeria’s 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, insisting that friendly matches should not be used as a yardstick for judging tournament readiness.
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The former Rangers, Warri Wolves and Gombe United goalkeeper stressed that competitive games bring a completely different mentality.
“A friendly game is always a friendly game. The mentality, attitude and determination are very different from what you see in competitive matches,” he explained.
“Egypt are one of the powerhouses of African football. Losing 2–1 with limited preparation does not mean the Super Eagles are a bad side.”
He added that Nigeria’s famed fighting spirit would come to the fore when it truly matters.
“At the AFCON, the real mentality — passion, commitment, determination and the never-say-die spirit Nigerians are known for — will come into play, and the best of the Super Eagles will manifest.”
Super Eagles Must Be Unitedly Supported — Agbim
Addressing criticism surrounding the technical crew, Agbim urged Nigerians to put all distractions aside and unite behind the team.
“At this point, it is no longer about who the coach is or how he came in. It is about our team, our patriotism and our support,” he said.
“The players are good, experienced and mentally strong. I believe the team will succeed in Morocco.”
World Cup Absence Painful, But Rules Must Be Respected
The conversation later shifted to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the USA and Canada — a development that visibly affected Agbim, who was part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“It is sad that Nigeria will not be at the World Cup for the second time in a row. It is not a good reflection of Nigerian football,” he lamented.
“But it has happened, and we have to accept it and hope for better in the future.”
On the possibility of Nigeria gaining qualification through FIFA following allegations that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the playoff clash, Agbim maintained that rules exist to be enforced.
“Victory is victory, regardless of how it comes. Every competition has rules, and rules must be obeyed,” he said.
“Nigeria seeking redress cannot be described as trying to enter through the back door if the rules were truly breached.”
Life After Football Still Under Consideration
Since retiring from active football, Agbim has settled quietly in Enugu, his state of origin. Asked about plans to go into goalkeeping development, he revealed that nothing had been finalised yet.
“For now, I am still putting a few things together. I have not fully decided,” he said.
“It is not a bad idea, though. Like they say, once a soldier, always a soldier. Let us keep doing our best and see what the future holds.”
By Sab Osuji, in Enugu
